Police Arrest Four Touts After Coffin Parade Sparks Chaos in Harare
Four touts have been arrested and fined after staging a controversial procession in which they carried a coffin on top of a kombi from Chitungwiza to Highfield, disrupting traffic and drawing widespread attention.
The incident occurred on Tuesday as mourners transported the body of their colleague, 29-year-old Paswell Tichare, to Granville Cemetery, commonly known as KuMbudzi.
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Coffin Placed on Kombi Roof
According to The Herald, the group—comprising of relatives, friends and fellow touts—placed the coffin on top of a Toyota Hiace and formed a convoy from Zengeza 4 to Machipisa bus terminus.
The procession took a chaotic turn upon arrival in Highfield, where the group blocked a major road, sang in tribute to the deceased and engaged in reckless behaviour, including dangerous driving stunts.
Traffic Disrupted in Highfield
The situation escalated as the convoy obstructed the free flow of traffic along Main Street in Machipisa, prompting police intervention.
Officers moved in to restore order, removing the body from the scene and taking it to Machipisa Police Station before arranging for it to be transported properly in a hearse.
Police Clarify Cause of Death
Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed that four individuals—Godwin Mazenge, Michael Zhuwawo (30), Anna Chere (27) and Tawanda Mafaranyika (27)—were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. They have since paid admission of guilt fines.
Nyathi also dismissed circulating social media claims that the deceased died following a police-related incident.
He said Tichare died on April 5 at Unit H Shopping Centre in Chitungwiza after a long illness and not as a result of any road traffic accident or police action.
Warning Against Disorderly Conduct
Police have warned members of the public against spreading unverified information online, saying such claims can cause unnecessary panic and confusion.
Authorities also cautioned that individuals who disrupt traffic or engage in unlawful conduct during funeral processions will face legal consequences.
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